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NOVA Next | Deep-Sea Mining: Bonanza or Boondoggle?

Learn about ecological concerns related to hydrothermal vent mining in this NOVA Next article. Hydrothermal vents produce dense concentrations of several minerals, including gold and copper, which some companies hope to mine. But the environmental effects of deep sea mining are not entirely clear. Mining would likely kill nearby life, and it is unclear if those species could repopulate. There are also concerns beyond direct destruction, including potential effects of sediment and acidification. In addition, there is no clear approval and regulation process for mining companies. This resource is part of the NOVA Next Collection.